How to Install GCam and Load XML Configs on Any Android Device

Welcome to Rebooted X! What if you could get the stunning photo quality of a Google Pixel phone—with its legendary HDR+ processing and jaw-dropping Night Sight—on your current Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, or other Android device? For years, the community has made this possible through modified versions of the Google Camera app, widely known as GCam ports.

Installing GCam is often described as the single best software upgrade you can give your phone's camera. However, finding the right version and configuring it correctly can be a confusing journey into forums and repositories. This ultimate guide will demystify the entire process, walking you through every step from checking compatibility to loading the perfect settings, transforming your phone into a photography powerhouse.

GCam Installation Guide

What is GCam and Why is it So Special?

GCam is a port of the official Google Camera application found on Pixel devices. It is not just another camera app; its power lies in Google's proprietary image processing algorithms:

• HDR+ Enhanced: Takes a rapid burst of underexposed shots and merges them. This preserves incredible detail in both bright highlights and dark shadows, far beyond what most stock cameras can do.
• Night Sight: The legendary mode that can turn a nearly pitch-black scene into a clear, detailed photograph.
• Astrophotography: A specialized mode for capturing stars and the night sky, requiring a tripod and long exposure times.
• Portrait Mode: Google's software-based background blur is often more accurate and pleasing than the hardware-based solutions on other phones.

Dedicated developers like Arnova8G2, BSG, and many others modify these official apps to work on a wide range of non-Pixel phones, giving everyone access to this amazing software.

Prerequisite #1: Checking for Camera2 API Support

Before you download anything, you must check if your phone has the necessary foundation for GCam to work: the Camera2 API. This is a framework that allows apps to get advanced control over the camera hardware.

1. Go to the Google Play Store and download a free app called Camera2 API Probe.
2. Open the app. It will immediately show you the status of your phone's camera hardware.
3. Look for the "Hardware Support Level" section. You want to see FULL or, ideally, LEVEL_3.
4. If you see LIMITED or LEGACY, GCam will likely not work properly, if at all. (Note: Unlocking your bootloader often enables a higher support level).

Finding the Right GCam Port and Config File

This is the most challenging step for newcomers. There isn't one "master GCam" that works for all phones. You need a version tailored to your device's processor and a configuration file to optimize it.

1. Visit the GCam Hub: The best and most trusted resource for finding GCam ports is the repository hosted by Celso Azevedo: www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/. Bookmark this site.
2. Find Your Device: On the site, look for sections like "Suggested Versions" or browse through the developers' folders. The best approach is to search online for "GCam for [Your Phone Name]" (e.g., "GCam for OnePlus 9 Pro"), which will often lead you to the correct developer and version on Celso's site.
3. Download the APK: Download the `.apk` file for the recommended port.
4. Find the Config File: This is crucial. A config file is a small `.xml` file that contains pre-made settings to make the GCam port work perfectly with your phone's sensors. On Celso's site, next to the APKs, there is often a link for "Configs". Find a config made for your specific device. Download this `.xml` file.

How to Install and Configure GCam: Step-by-Step

With your APK and XML file downloaded, you're ready for installation.

Step 1: Install the GCam APK

Using a file manager app, find the GCam `.apk` file you downloaded and tap on it to install it. You may need to grant your file manager permission to "Install unknown apps."

Step 2: Create the Configs Folder

This step is absolutely mandatory for loading your settings file. The exact folder name depends on the GCam version you downloaded.

1. Open your file manager and go to the root of your Internal Storage.
2. Create a new folder. The name is specific:
   • For GCam 7.x versions, the folder is usually `GCam/Configs7/`
   • For GCam 8.x versions, the folder is usually `GCam/Configs8/`
3. Move the `.xml` config file you downloaded earlier into this new folder.

Step 3: Load the XML Config

1. Open the GCam app you just installed.
2. Double-tap the black, empty space next to the shutter button. (See image below for the target area).
3. A dialog box will pop up showing the `.xml` file(s) in your configs folder.
4. Select the config you want to use and tap the RESTORE or LOAD button.

The app will restart with the new, optimized settings loaded. Your camera is now ready to take incredible pictures!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• App crashes on launch: This almost always means you're using an incompatible GCam version or you do not have adequate Camera2 API support. Try a different APK.
• Viewfinder is black or has a green/purple tint: This is a classic sign that you have not loaded a config file, or have loaded the wrong one. Double-check Step 3.
• Photos look distorted or have a pinkish hue: Your config file may not be perfect. Try finding another one for your device or go into the GCam settings and look for "AWB (Auto White Balance)" or "Lib Patcher" settings to correct the colors.